Implement control system and method

ABSTRACT

A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a boom mower. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a boom mower attachmentand a method of use thereof, where the boom mower attachment includes acutting mechanism that is moved in a first movement, a second movement,and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control.

BACKGROUND Background Information

Boom mowers may be attached to landscaping utility vehicles and beutilized to mow and/or cut vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, hedges,and the like. Frequently, the boom mower is mounted to a rear end of thevehicle and is towed behind the vehicle. This arrangement may make itdifficult for the operator to monitor the vegetation that is being mowedor cut while driving the tractor forward. In other instances, the boommower may be mounted to a front end of the vehicle, such as a tractor ofaround 100 HP or less. Boom mowers are frequently difficult to removefrom the vehicle and this limits the use of the vehicle for otherpurposes. In addition to these issues, previously known boom mowers havehad complex operator controls and a limited cutting range.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a boom mower that is an attachmentwhich is selectively mountable to a front end of a compact tractor. Thisarrangement allows an operator to see the vegetation that is being mowedor cut while driving the tractor forward. The presently disclosed boommower is furthermore detachably engageable with the compact tractor andmay be removed so that the tractor may be put to other uses. Thedisclosed boom mower has simplified controls that enable an operator toraise, lower, extend and activate the device with one hand and utilizinga single control. The boom mower is able to be raised, lowered,extended, and retracted to a greater degree than previously known boommowers.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a boom mower forattachment with a tractor device, the mower comprising: a driverassembly; at least one driven assembly; and a cutting mechanism operablyengaged with the at least one driven assembly; wherein the cuttingmechanism extends outwardly from the at least one driven assembly;wherein movement of the driver assembly causes movement of the at leastone driven assembly; and wherein movement of the at least one drivenassembly causes a rotational movement of the cutting mechanism about theat least one driven assembly. The cutting mechanism may have aselectively adjustable rotational orientation; wherein the selectivelyadjustable rotational orientation of the cutting mechanism remains fixedregardless of any other movement of the cutting mechanism. The driverassembly and the cutting mechanism may rotate in a same rotationaldirection.

The at least one driven assembly may include a first driven assembly anda second driven assembly; wherein the first driven assembly is operablyengaged with the driver assembly and operably engaged with the seconddriven assembly; wherein the cutting mechanism is operably engaged withthe second driven assembly; wherein the rotational movement of thecutting mechanism is about the second driven assembly; wherein movementof the driver assembly causes movement of the first driven assembly andmovement of the second driven assembly; and wherein movement of thesecond driven assembly causes the rotational movement of the cuttingmechanism about the second driven assembly. The second driven assemblymay include a selectively adjustable rotational orientation and a rangeof motion; wherein the selectively adjustable rotational orientation ofthe second driven assembly remains fixed regardless of any othermovement of the cutting mechanism. The driver assembly and the cuttingmechanism may rotate in a same rotational direction.

The boom mower may further include a driver element operably engagedwith the driver assembly; a first driven element operably engaged withthe first driven assembly; a second driven element operably engaged withthe second driven assembly; wherein the driver element drives the firstdriven element and the second driven element. The driver element and thesecond driven element may rotate in a same rotational direction.

The boom mower may further include a boom assembly; wherein the boomassembly is operably engaged with the driver assembly, operably engagedwith the at least one driven assembly, and operably engaged with thecutting mechanism; and a selectively adjustable rotational orientationof the cutting mechanism about the at least one driven assembly; whereinthe selectively adjustable rotational orientation of the cuttingmechanism remains fixed regardless of any other movement of the cuttingmechanism. The boom assembly may include a first boom arm and a secondboom arm; wherein the at least one driven assembly includes a firstdriven assembly and a second driven assembly; wherein the first boom armis operably engaged with the driver assembly, operably engaged with thefirst driven assembly, and operably engaged with the second boom arm;wherein the second boom arm is operably engaged with the first drivenassembly, operably engaged with the second driven assembly, and operablyengaged with the cutting mechanism; wherein the cutting mechanismextends outwardly form the second boom arm. The first boom arm and thesecond boom arm may be configured to move the cutting mechanism in agenerally vertical direction relative to the mower and a generallytransverse direction relative to the mower; and wherein the selectivelyadjustable rotational orientation of the cutting mechanism remains fixedregardless of any generally vertical or generally transverse movement ofthe cutting mechanism.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a boom mower forattachment to a utility vehicle, the boom mower comprising a frame; aboom assembly carried by the frame; a cutting mechanism operably engagedwith the boom assembly; a rotational axis; a selectively adjustablerotational orientation of the cutting mechanism about the rotationalaxis; and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with theboom assembly and the cutting mechanism that selectively moves thecutting mechanism in a generally vertical direction, selectively movesthe cutting mechanism in a generally transverse direction, andselectively sets the rotational orientation of the cutting mechanismabout the rotational axis; wherein the rotational orientation of thecutting mechanism remains substantially fixed when the cutting mechanismmoves in the generally vertical direction; and wherein the rotationalorientation of the cutting mechanism remains substantially fixed whenthe cutting mechanism moves in and the generally transverse direction.The selectively adjustable rotational orientation may include a range ofmotion of at least approximately ninety degrees. The boom mower mayfurther include a first translation assembly of the at least onetranslation assembly pivotably coupling a first part of the boomassembly to the frame; a second translation assembly of the at least onetranslation assembly pivotably coupling a second part of the boomassembly to the frame; and a third translation assembly of the at leastone translation assembly pivotably coupling a third part of the boomassembly to the frame and pivotably coupling the boom assembly to thecutting mechanism. The generally vertical movement and the generallytransverse movement of the cutting mechanism may be effected by thefirst translation assembly. Selecting the rotational orientation of thecutting mechanism may be effected by the third translation assembly.

The boom assembly may further include a first boom arm of the boomassembly; a first pivot shaft connecting the boom arm to the frame, thefirst pivot shaft defining a first pivot axis; a second boom arm of theboom assembly; a second pivot shaft connecting the first boom arm andthe second boom arm, the second pivot shaft defining a second pivotaxis; and a third pivot shaft connecting the second boom arm to thecutting mechanism, the third pivot shaft defining a third pivot axis.The boom assembly may further include a third boom arm of the boomassembly; a fourth pivot shaft defining a fourth pivot axis; and a fifthpivot shaft defining a fifth pivot axis; wherein the third boom arm ispivotably coupled to the frame along the fourth pivot axis and pivotablycoupled to the second boom arm along the fifth pivot axis. The boomassembly may further include a fourth boom arm of the boom assembly;wherein the fourth boom arm is pivotably coupled to the frame along thefourth pivot axis and pivotably coupled to the second boom arm along thefifth pivot axis.

The boom mower may further include a drive assembly of the cuttingmechanism; a blade assembly of the cutting mechanism operably engagedwith the drive assembly; wherein the blade assembly includes a pluralityof blades; and a guard assembly of the cutting mechanism operablyengaged with the drive assembly; wherein the guard assembly includes aplurality of guards; and wherein the drive assembly drives the bladesand the guards in a linear reciprocating motion. The boom mower mayfurther include a stroke distance of the blades; and a stroke distanceof the guards; wherein the stroke distance of the blades and the strokedistance of the guards are optimized to reduce translation of vibrationfrom the cutting mechanism to the frame and thereby to the utilityvehicle. The cutting mechanism may further include a cutting plane ofthe cutting mechanism; wherein the selectively adjustable rotationalorientation of the cutting mechanism is defined by the cutting plane.The boom mower may further include an alert mechanism; wherein the alertmechanism indicates when the at least one translation assembly isoperably to rotate the cutting mechanism about the rotational axis. Thealert mechanism may be an indicator light. The boom mower may furtherinclude a belt-driven hydraulic assembly that actuates the cuttingmechanism. The boom mower may further include a sickle bar provided onthe cutting mechanism. The sickle bar may be a single-action or adouble-action sickle bar. The utility vehicle may a compact tractor, thecompact tractor including a front end and a rear end; and wherein theboom mower is operably engaged with the front end of the compacttractor. The compact tractor may include an engine horsepower; whereinthe engine horsepower is one hundred or less.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a utility vehiclecomprising a vehicle frame having a front and a back, a plurality ofground-engaging wheels provided on the frame; a control lever providedon the vehicle in a position accessible to an operator; a cuttingmechanism coupled with the vehicle frame; and at least one translationassembly that moves the cutting mechanism in a first movement, a secondmovement, and a third movement; and wherein the control lever actuatesthe at least one translation assembly. The cutting mechanism may bepositioned forwardly of the front of the vehicle frame. The utilityvehicle may further include an alert mechanism that indicates to theoperator that the control lever is moving the cutting mechanism in oneof the second movement and the third movement. In one example, the alertmechanism may be an indicator light mounted on the cutting mechanism.The utility vehicle may further include a boom assembly that connectsthe cutting mechanism to the vehicle frame. The boom assembly may bemovable between an expanded position and a retracted position. Arotational orientation of the cutting mechanism remains substantiallyconstant regardless of whether the cutting mechanism is moved verticallyor transversely.

The boom assembly may include at least a first link member and a secondlink member that are pivotally engaged with each other. The utilityvehicle may include a function switching mechanism operably engaged withthe control lever. The function switching mechanism may be one of abutton and a switch. The utility vehicle may be a compact tractor.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method ofcutting or mowing vegetation comprising mounting a boom mower attachmentto a utility vehicle; operatively engaging a single control on theutility vehicle with the boom mower attachment; moving a cuttingmechanism on the boom mower attachment in a first movement, a secondmovement, and a third movement relative to the boom mower frameutilizing the single control; actuating the cutting mechanism; andcutting or mowing vegetation using the actuated cutting mechanism.

The method may further include moving the control between a firstposition and a second position in a first mode to cause the cuttingmechanism to move in the first movement; switching, via at least onefunction switching mechanism, a function of the control from the firstmode to at least one of (i) a second mode; and (ii) a third mode; andmoving the control between the first position and the second position inat least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode; whereinthe control movement in the second mode is associated with the secondmovement of the cutting mechanism; and wherein the control movement inthe third mode is associated with the third movement of the cuttingmechanism.

The method may further include moving at least one blade of the cuttingmechanism through a first distance; and moving at least one guard of thecutting mechanism through a second distance. The method may furtherinclude optimizing the first distance and the second distance to reducetranslation of vibration from the cutting mechanism to the boom mowerframe. In one example, the method may include moving either at least oneblade or at least one guard through a distance. The method may furtherinclude alerting an operator on the utility vehicle when the cuttingmechanism is performing one of the second movement and the thirdmovement. Alerting of the operator may include illuminating a lightprovided on the cutting mechanism. The method may include setting arotational orientation of the cutting mechanism and maintaining therotational orientation of the cutting mechanism while moving the cuttingmechanism in a generally vertical direction and a generally transversedirection.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide an implementcontrol system comprising a control operable in one or more of a firstmode, a second mode, and a third mode; at least one function switchingmechanism associated with the control; and an implement; whereinactivation of the control is operative to move the implement in one ormore of a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement byonly using two motions of the control; wherein the first mode isassociated with the first movement of the implement; wherein the secondmode is associated with the second movement of the implement; whereinthe third mode is associated with the third movement of the implement;and wherein the at least one function switching mechanism switches thecontrol to one of the second mode and the third mode. The control may bea lever moveable between a first position and a second position. The atleast one function switching mechanism may switch the control from thefirst mode to one of the second mode and the third mode. The at leastone function switching mechanism may be one of a depressible button anda switch. The implement control system may further include an alertmechanism that indicates when the control is operating in at least oneof (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode. In one example, thealert mechanism may be an indicator light on the implement that isviewable by an operator while controlling the control; wherein theindicator light is illuminated to indicate to the operator that thecontrol is operating in the at least one of (i) the second mode; and(ii) the third mode.

The implement control system may further include a first end and asecond end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first sideand a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, and atop and a bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween; and alongitudinal center axis extending between the first end and the secondend; and wherein the first movement associated with the first mode is agenerally vertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axis,the second movement associated with the second mode is a generallytransverse movement relative to the longitudinal center axis, and thethird movement associated with the third mode is a rotational movementabout a rotational axis that is offset parallel to the longitudinalcenter axis. In one example, the implement control system may beprovided on a compact tractor.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of usingan implement control system comprising moving a control of an implementcontrol system between a first position and a second position in a firstmode to cause an implement to move in a first movement; switching, viaat least one function switching mechanism, a function of the controlfrom the first mode to at least one of (i) a second mode; and (ii) athird mode; and moving the control between the first position and thesecond position in at least one of a (i) the second mode; and (ii) thethird mode; wherein the control movement in the second mode isassociated with a second movement of the implement; and wherein thecontrol movement in the third mode is associated with a third movementof the implement. The at least one function switching mechanism may be abutton; and wherein switching, via the at least one function switchingmechanism, the function of the control from the first mode to at leastone of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode is accomplished bydepressing the button. The at least one function switching mechanism maybe a switch; wherein switching, via the at least one function switchingmechanism, the function of the control from the first mode to at leastone of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode is accomplished byactivating the switch.

In another example, the at least one function switching mechanism mayinclude a first function switching mechanism and a second functionswitching mechanism; wherein the first function switching mechanism is abutton; wherein the second function switching mechanism is a switch;wherein switching, via the first function switching mechanism, thefunction of the control to the second mode is accomplished by depressingthe button; and wherein switching, via the second function switchingmechanism, the function of the control to the third mode is accomplishedby activating the switch.

The method may further include indicating, via an alert mechanism, whenthe function of the control has been switched via the function switchingmechanism to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the thirdmode. The alert mechanism may be an indicator light and the method mayfurther include illuminating the indicator light when the function ofthe control has been switched via the function switching mechanism tothe at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode. Theimplement control system may include a first end and a second enddefining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side and asecond side defining a transverse direction therebetween, a top and abottom defining a vertical direction therebetween, and a longitudinalcenter axis extending between the first end and the second end; andwherein the first movement comprises moving the implement in a generallyvertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axis, the secondmovement comprises moving the implement in a generally transversemovement relative to the longitudinal center axis, and the thirdmovement comprises moving the implement in a rotational movement about arotational axis that is offset parallel to the longitudinal center axis.

In another example, the implement control system includes a first endand a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a firstside and a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, atop and a bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween, and alongitudinal center axis extending between the first end and the secondend; and wherein the method may further include one or more of movingthe implement in a generally vertical movement relative to thelongitudinal center axis; moving the implement in a generally transversemovement relative to the longitudinal center axis; and moving theimplement in a rotational movement about a rotational axis that isoffset parallel to the longitudinal center axis; and the method mayfurther include activating the control between the first position andthe second position in the third mode to cause the implement to rotateabout the rotational axis; and setting a rotational orientation of theimplement relative to the rotational axis; wherein the rotationalorientation of the implement remains substantially fixed when theimplement moves generally vertically and generally transversely.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a boom mowerattachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a secondmovement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a singlecontrol and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower mayinclude a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cuttingmechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least onetranslation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and thecutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of thefirst movement, the second movement, and the third movement. Animplement control system including a control, at least one functionswitching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation ofthe control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a secondmode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the followingdescription, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctlypointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanyingdrawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part ofthe specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and otherexample embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will beappreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groupsof boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of theboundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that insome examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or thatmultiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, anelement shown as an internal component of another element may beimplemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a boom mower in accordance withthe present disclosure attached to a front end of a utility vehicle suchas a compact tractor;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the boom mower with a portion ofa cutting mechanism of the boom mower removed;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the boom mowerhighlighted by the dashed box labeled SEE FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the boom mower with a portionof the cutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the boom mower with a portion of thecutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the boom mower with a portion of thecutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2 with aportion of the cutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 with aportion of the cutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 with aportion of the cutting mechanism removed;

FIG. 9 is a top elevation view of the cutting mechanism of the boommower with a portion of the boom mower removed;

FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of the cutting mechanism with aportion of the boom mower removed;

FIG. 11 is a cross section view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross section view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the cutting mechanism withparts removed for clarity;

FIG. 15 is a cross section view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross section view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross section view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is an operational diagrammatic view showing movement of thecutting mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the cutting mechanism shown;

FIG. 20 is an operational diagrammatic view showing movement of thecutting mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 19 with the cutting mechanism moved toa different position;

FIG. 22 is an operational diagrammatic view showing movement of thecutting mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 is partial rear elevation view of the boom mower with a boomassembly in an extended position and a partial rear elevation view ofthe boom mower showing movement of the cutting mechanism;

FIG. 23A is partial rear elevation view of the boom mower with a boomassembly in an extended position;

FIG. 23B is partial rear elevation view of the boom mower showingmovement of the cutting mechanism; and

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of one method or process in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-24 show a landscaping attachment that is selectively engageablewith a utility vehicle and is operable to mow or cut vegetation. Thelandscaping attachment, which may be referred to herein as a “boommower” is generally indicated by the reference number 10. Boom mower 10includes a frame 12, a boom assembly 14, a cutting mechanism 16, such asa single-action sickle bar or double action sickle bar, and at least onetranslation assembly 18. The at least one translation assembly 18 maycomprise at least one hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly that isoperable to operate boom assembly 14 and/or cutting mechanism 16. Thecomponent identified hereafter as the “at least one translation assembly18” should be understood to be any device that is electrically,pneumatically or hydraulically operable to raise, lower, extend andretract boom assembly 14 and/or activate and deactivate cuttingmechanism 16. For example, and not meant as a limitation, the at leastone translation assembly may include one or more of a driver assembly, adriven assembly, a driver element, a driven element, or any othersuitable device. Still further, and in one particular embodiment, the atleast one hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 18 is operable to movethe cutting mechanism 16 in a first movement, a second movement, and athird movement as more fully described below. The at least one hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly 18 may furthermore be operated by a controlthat may be engaged using a single hand of the operator.

Boom mower 10 includes a first end 20 (FIG. 2), a second end 22 (FIG.2), a left or first side 24 (FIG. 4), a right or second side 26 (FIG.4), a top 28 (FIG. 4), and a bottom 30 (FIG. 4). First and second ends20, 22 define a longitudinal direction therebetween; first and secondsides 24, 26 define a transverse direction therebetween, and top andbottom 38, 30 define a vertical direction therebetween. Boom mowerfurther includes a longitudinal center axis X_(C) that extends betweenfirst end 20 and second end 22 as shown in FIG. 4.

Boom mower 10 is configured to be selectively attached to a utilityvehicle. The utility vehicle is illustrated to be a compact tractor,generally indicated at 32, but any other suitable drivable vehicles maybe utilized. In one example, the compact tractor may be a tractor havingan engine horsepower (HP) of one hundred or less. In other examples, theutility vehicle may be a mower, a skid-steer, a truck, or any othersuitable vehicle. One exemplary compact tractor 32 for use with boommower 10 is a VENTRAC® compact tractor commercially available for saleand known in the industry as a VENTRAC® 4500 tractor. (“VENTRAC®” is aregistered trademark of Venture Products, Inc. of Orrville, Ohio.)

Referring to FIG. 1, tractor 32 has a front end 32 a, a rear end 32 b, aleft side 32 c, a right side 32 d, and an articulating frame 38 with aplurality of ground engaging wheels 34 mounted thereon. Tractor 32further includes a hydraulic system 33 and a power take off (PTO)connector 36. Hydraulic system 33 further includes a hydraulic oildiverter valve 35 which is operably engaged with auxiliary hydrauliccircuit lines 37 a, 37 b, and 37 c as more fully described below. In oneexample, the boom mower 10 is selectively detachably mounted to thefront end 32 a of tractor 32. (It will be understood that in otherexamples, boom mower 10 may be selectively mounted to one of the sides32 c, 32 d, or to the rear end 32 b of tractor 32.) The boom mower 10 isoperably engaged with the tractor 32 in any suitable manner. Tractor 32further includes actuation electronics 40 which are in operablecommunication with the boom mower 10 via electrical wiring 41 a and 41 bto power various components of the boom mower 10 as more fully describedbelow.

As depicted in FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, frame 12 includes an outerperimeter wall 42 including a transversely extending first supportmember 42 a, a longitudinally extending second support member 42 b, atransversely extending third support member 42 c, an angled fourthsupport member 42 d, and a longitudinally extending fifth support member42 e. The transversely extending first support member 42 a is providedproximate the rear 22 of the boom mower 10 and is connected to thelongitudinally extending second support member 42 b on one end and tothe longitudinally extending fifth support member 42 e on the other end.The longitudinally extending second support member 42 b is providedproximate the left side 24 of the boom mower 10 and is connected to thetransversely extending first support member 42 a on one end and to thetransversely extending third support member 42 c on the other end. Thetransversely extending third support member 42 c is provided proximatethe front 20 of the boom mower 10 and is connected to the longitudinallyextending second support member 42 b on one end and to the angled fourthsupport member 42 d on the other end. The angled fourth support member42 d extends at an angle away from the transversely extending thirdsupport member 42 c toward the right side 26 of the boom mower 10 and isconnected on one end to the transversely extending third support member42 c and on the other end to the longitudinally extending fifth supportmember 42 e. The longitudinally extending fifth support member 42 e isprovided proximate the right side 26 of the boom mower and is connectedon one end to the angled fourth support member 42 d and thelongitudinally extending first support member 42 a.

The perimeter wall 42 further includes a longitudinally extending sixthsupport member 42 f and the boom mower 10 further includes atransversely extending first support plate 43 a, a transverselyextending second support plate 43 b, a transversely extending thirdsupport plate 43 c and a plurality of weights 45. The longitudinallyextending sixth support member 42 f is provided approximately midwaybetween the left side 24 and the right side 26 of the boom mower 10 andis connected to the transversely extending first support member 42 a onone end and to the transversely extending third support member 42 c onthe other end. The transversely extending first support member 42 a, thelongitudinally extending second support member 42 b, the transverselyextending third support member 42 c, and the longitudinally extendingsixth support member 42 f define a first interior space and thetransversely extending first support member 42 a, the transverselyextending third support member 42 c, the angled fourth support member 42d, and the longitudinally extending fifth support member 42 e define asecond interior space.

The transversely extending first support plate 43 a is connected to thelongitudinally extending second support member 42 b on one end and tothe angled fourth support member 42 d on the other end. The transverselyextending second support plate 43 b is connected to the longitudinallyextending second support member 42 b on one end and to the angled fourthsupport member 42 d on the other end. The transversely extending thirdsupport plate 43 c is connected to the longitudinally extending secondsupport member 42 b on one end and to the angled fourth support member42 d on the other end. The first support plate 43 a is providedintermediate the transversely extending first support member 42 a andthe second support plate 43 b, the second support plate 43 b is providedintermediate the first support plate 43 a and the third support plate 43c, and the third support plate 43 c is provided intermediate the secondsupport plate 43 b and the transversely extending third support member42 c. The plurality of weights 45 are provided proximate the rear 22 andthe right side 26 of the mower 10 and are utilized to counterbalance atleast the boom assembly 14 and the cutting mechanism 16.

The frame 12 of the boom mower 10 further includes a first caster wheelsupport member 44 a and a second caster wheel support member 44 b. Thefirst caster wheel support member 44 a is provided proximate theconnection point between the longitudinally extending second supportmember 42 b and the transversely extending third support member 42 c andextends from the connection point generally towards the front 20 of theboom mower 10. The second caster wheel support member 44 b is connectedto the transversely extending first support member 42 a and the angledfourth support member 42 d and extends from the transversely extendingfirst support member 42 a longitudinally towards the front 20 of theboom mower 10 crossing over approximately midway between the angledfourth support member 42 d. One of a plurality of ground-engaging casterwheels 46 may be pivotably attached to a leading end of the first casterwheel support member 44 a and one of the plurality of ground-engagingcaster wheels 46 may be pivotably attached to a leading end of thesecond caster wheel support member 44 b. At least one roller 48 isprovided on the transversely extending third support member 42 c andextends generally from the connection point between the longitudinallyextending second support member 42 b and the transversely extendingthird support member 42 c transversely along a portion of thetransversely extending third support member 42 c. The roller 48 may besupported by an axle rotatably connected with the transversely extendingthird support member 42 c. Roller 48 engages the ground when the boommower 10 passes over uneven terrain.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, frame 12 of boom mower 10 furtherincludes a hitch assembly 50 having a first hitch arm 52 a and a secondhitch arm 52 b. The hitch assembly 50 is engaged to the transverselyextending first support member 42 a and extends longitudinally towardthe rear 22 of the boom mower 10. The first hitch arm 52 a is providedgenerally proximate the left side 24 of the boom mower 10 while thesecond hitch arm 52 b is provided generally proximate midway between theleft side 24 and the right side 26 of the boom mower 10. First hitch arm52 a includes a leading end 54 which defines a connection cutout 56.Second hitch arm 52 b includes a leading end 58 which defines aconnection cutout 60. Connection cutouts 56 and 60 are configured to beselectively detachably engaged with the tractor 32 to effectuate theconnection between the boom mower 10 and a portion of the tractor 32. Inone particular embodiment, when the boom mower 10 is engaged with thetractor 32, the connection cutouts 56 and 60 on boom mower 10 arepositioned rearwardly from the power takeoff connector 36 of tractor 32.

The boom assembly 14 of boom mower 10 includes a generally elongatedfirst link member 62, which may also be referred to as a first boom arm,a generally elongated second link member 64, which may also be referredto as a second boom arm, a generally elongated third link member 66,which may also be referred to as a third boom arm, a shield 67, agenerally elongated fourth link member 68, which may also be referred toas a fourth boom arm, and a support beam 70. The boom assembly 14 isoperably engaged with a pivot axis X1 defined by a first pivot shaft 72as more fully described below. The first pivot shaft 72 extendslongitudinally between the transversely extending first support member42 a and the transversely extending third support member 42 c proximateto but offset from the longitudinally extending second support member 42b and is supported by the first support plate 43 a, the second supportplate 43 b, and the third support plate 43 c.

The first link member 62 includes a first end 62 a and a second end 62b. The second link member 64 includes a first end 64 a, a second end 64b, a first angled portion 64 c proximate the first end 64 a, a secondangled portion 64 d proximate the second end 64 b, and a generallystraight portion 64 e intermediate the first angled portion 64 c and thesecond angled portion 64 d. The third link member 66 includes a firstend 66 a and a second end 66 b. The fourth link member 68 includes afirst end 68 a and a second end 68 b. The first link member 62, thethird link member 66, and the fourth link member 68 are pivotablyconnected to a mounting bracket 73, such as a rocker arm assembly, asmore fully described below. The mounting bracket 73 includes a first arm74 longitudinally spaced apart from a second arm 76. The first arm 74includes a top end 74 a and a bottom end 74 b and the second arm 76includes a top end 76 a and a bottom end 76 b. The top end 74 a of thefirst arm 74 and the top end 76 a of the second arm 76 are fixedlyconnected to a first sleeve 80. The first sleeve 80 is rotatablyconnected to the first pivot shaft 72.

The first end 62 a of the first link member 62 is pivotably connected tothe first arm 74 and the second arm 76 of the mounting bracket 73proximate the bottom end 74 b of the first arm 74 and the bottom end 76b of the second arm 76 via second sleeve 81 and third sleeve 83 whichare pivotably connected to a second pivot shaft 82 which defines asecond pivot axis X2. The second pivot shaft 82 extends between thefirst arm 74 and the second arm 76 proximate the bottom end 74 b of thefirst arm 74 and the bottom end 76 b of the second arm 76. The secondend 62 b of the first link member 62 is fixedly connected to a fourthsleeve 84 which is rotatably connected to a third pivot shaft 86 whichdefines a third pivot axis X3. One end of the first angled portion 64 cof the second link member 64 is fixedly connected to a fifth sleeve 88and a sixth sleeve 90 which are rotatably connected to the third pivotshaft 86. Therefore, the first link member 62 and the second link member64 are pivotably connected to one another about the third pivot axis X3.One end of the second angled portion 64 d of the second link member 64is fixedly connected to a pair of bearings 92 which are rotatablyattached to a fourth pivot shaft 94 which defines a fourth pivot axisX4. The fourth pivot shaft 94 extends longitudinally through the secondangled portion 64 d. The first end 66 a of the third link member 66 isfixedly connected to a seventh sleeve 96 which is rotatably connected tothe first pivot shaft 72. The other end of the first angled portion 64 cof the second link member 64 is fixedly connected to an eighth sleeve 89which is rotatably connected to a fifth pivot shaft 100 which defines afifth pivot axis X5. The second end 66 b of the third link member 66 isfixedly connected to a ninth sleeve 98 which is rotatably connected tothe fifth pivot shaft 100. The first end 68 a of the fourth link member68 is fixedly connected to a tenth sleeve 102 which is rotatablyconnected to the first pivot shaft 72. The second end 68 b of the fourthlink member 68 is fixedly connected to an eleventh sleeve 104 which isrotatably connected to the fifth pivot shaft 100. Alternatively, theninth sleeve 98 and the eleventh sleeve 104 may be rotatably connectedto the fifth pivot shaft 100. The third link member 66 is positioned adistance away from the fourth link member 68 and is generally coplanarwith the fourth link member 68. The support beam 70 is connected on oneend to the third link member 66 and on the other end to the fourth linkmember 68 via welding or any other suitable manner. The support beam 70extends longitudinally between the third link member 66 and the fourthlink member 68. Although support beam 70 has been illustrated, it is tobe understood that additional support beams may be utilized in anysuitable manner.

The cutting mechanism 16 of the boom mower 10 includes a housing 106, adrive assembly 108, a frame assembly 109, a blade assembly 110, and aguard assembly 112. The housing 106 includes a front side 106 a, a rearside 106 b, a left side 106 c, a right side 106 d, a top 106 e, and abottom 106 f. The housing 106 is engaged with the fourth pivot shaft 94of the boom mower 10. The fourth pivot shaft 94 extends longitudinallythrough the left side 106 c of the housing 106 proximate the rear side106 b of the housing 106. As such, the cutting mechanism 16 is rotatableabout the fourth pivot axis X4 as more fully described below.

The drive assembly 108 of the cutting mechanism 16 includes a hydraulicmotor 114 for driving the drive assembly 108 as more fully describedbelow. Although a hydraulic motor has been described as driving thedrive assembly 108, it is to be understood that any suitable device maybe used to drive the drive assembly 108, including, but not limited to apneumatic motor. Hydraulic motor 114 includes a drive shaft 116 a and anend drive shaft 116 b. The drive shaft 116 a is provided proximate theleft side 106 c of the housing 106 and the end drive shaft 116 b iscoplanar with the drive shaft 116 a and provided a distance away fromthe drive shaft 116 a. The motor 114 is provided offset from the fourthpivot shaft 94 and is operably engaged with the drive shaft 116 a whichdefines a sixth pivot axis X6 that extends in a longitudinal direction.The drive assembly 108 further includes a first crankshaft 118, a secondcrankshaft 120, a first crankshaft plate 122, a second crankshaft plate124, a third crankshaft plate 126, a first crankshaft rod 128, and asecond crankshaft rod 130. The first crankshaft rod 128 includes a firstend 128 a and a second end 128 b. The first end 128 a of the crankshaftrod 128 is a sleeve that is rotatably engaged with the first crankshaft118. The first crankshaft 118 includes a center axis 118 a that is adistance R1 away from the sixth pivot X6. The second crankshaft rod 130includes a first end 130 a and a second end 130 b. The first end 130 aof the crankshaft rod 130 is a sleeve that is rotatably engaged with thesecond crankshaft 120. The second crankshaft 120 includes a center axis120 a that is a distance R2 away from the sixth pivot axis X6. The firstcrankshaft plate 122 is operably engaged with the drive shaft 116 a onone side and with the first crankshaft rod 128 on the other side via thefirst crankshaft 118. The first crankshaft rod 128 is connected to thefirst crankshaft plate 122 on one side via the first crankshaft 118 andwith the second crankshaft plate 124 on the other side via the firstcrankshaft 118. The second crankshaft rod 130 is connected to the secondcrankshaft plate 124 on one side via the second crankshaft 120 and withthe third crankshaft plate 126 on the other side via the secondcrankshaft 120. The third crankshaft plate is connected to the secondcrankshaft rod 130 on one end via the second crankshaft 120 and with theend shaft 116 b on the other side. As such, the first crankshaft rod 128is intermediate the first crankshaft plate 122 and the second crankshaftplate 124 and the second crankshaft rod 130 is intermediate the secondcrankshaft plate 124 and the third crankshaft plate 126.

The frame assembly 109 (FIG. 14) of the cutting mechanism 16 includes amain frame member 132 (FIG. 11-FIG. 14), a top cover 134 (FIGS. 11-14),and a bottom cover 136 (FIGS. 11-13 and FIG. 15). The main frame member132 includes a first end 132 a, a second end 132 b, a top 132 c, and abottom 132 d. The first end 132 a is connected to the front side 106 aof the housing 106 and extends away from the front side 106 of thehousing a distance. The top cover 134 is connected to the top 132 c ofthe main frame member 132 and the bottom cover 136 is connected to thebottom 132 d of the main frame member 132. The main frame member 132,the top cover 134, and the bottom cover 136 define a space 138 as shownin FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13.

The blade assembly 110 of the cutting mechanism 16 includes a firstblade assembly shaft 140 (FIG. 14), a second blade assembly shaft 142(FIG. 15), a third blade assembly shaft 144 (FIG. 15), a blade rockerarm assembly 146 (FIG. 14-FIG. 15), a connector 147 (FIG. 15), a bladeplate 148 (FIG. 11-FIG. 15), a plurality of blades 150 (FIG. 14) and aplurality of fastening mechanisms 152 (FIG. 14), such as bolts or thelike. The first blade assembly shaft 140 is provided proximate the top106 e of the housing 106 and defines a seventh pivot axis X7 whichextends longitudinally between the left side 106 c and the right side106 d of the housing 106. The blade rocker arm assembly 146 includes afirst blade rocker arm 154, a second blade rocker arm 156, and a bladerocker arm sleeve 158. The first blade rocker arm 154 includes a top 154a and a bottom 154 b and the second blade rocker arm 156 includes a top156 a and a bottom 156 b. The first blade rocker arm 154 is spacedlongitudinally from the second guard rocker arm 156. The top 154 a ofthe first blade rocker arm 154 and the top 156 a of the second bladerocker arm 156 are connected to the blade rocker arm sleeve 158 which isrotatably connected to the first blade assembly shaft 140. The firstblade rocker arm 154 and the second guard rocker arm 156 are rigidlyconnected to the second blade assembly shaft 142 proximate the bottom154 b of the first blade rocker arm 154 and the bottom 156 b of thesecond blade rocker arm 156 and the second blade assembly shaft 142 isconnected to the second crankshaft rod 130. The first blade rocker arm154 and the second blade rocker arm 156 are rigidly connected to thethird blade assembly shaft 144 proximate the bottom 154 b of the firstblade rocker arm 154 and the bottom 156 b of the second blade rocker arm156 and the third blade assembly shaft 144 is rigidly connected to theblade plate 148 via the connector 147. The second blade assembly shaft142 is linked with the second crankshaft 120 via the second crankshaftrod 130 which is in turn linked with the drive shaft 116 a. Therefore,the second blade assembly shaft 142 and the third blade assembly shaft144 are linked and the second blade assembly 142 and the secondcrankshaft 120 are linked. The blade plate 148 extends longitudinallywithin the space 138 defined by the main frame 132, the top cover 134,and the bottom cover 136. The blade plate 148 is connected to theplurality of blades 150 via the plurality of fastening mechanisms 152(FIG. 12).

The guard assembly 112 of the cutting mechanism 16 includes a firstguard assembly shaft 160 (FIG. 17), which, in this embodiment, is thesame shaft as the first blade assembly shaft 140, a second guardassembly shaft 162 (FIG. 17), a third guard assembly shaft 164 (FIG.17), a guard rocker arm assembly 166 (FIG. 14 and FIG. 17), a connector167 (FIG. 17), a guard plate 168 (FIG. 17), a plurality of guards 170(FIG. 14) and a plurality of fastening mechanisms 172 (FIG. 14), such asbolts or the like. The guard rocker arm assembly 166 includes a firstguard rocker arm 174, a second guard rocker arm 176, and a guard rockerarm sleeve 178. The first guard rocker arm 174 includes a top 174 a anda bottom 174 b and the second guard rocker arm 176 includes a top 176 aand a bottom 176 b. The first guard rocker arm 174 is spacedlongitudinally from the second guard rocker arm 176. The top 174 a ofthe first guard rocker arm 174 and the top 176 a of the second guardrocker arm 176 are connected to the guard rocker arm sleeve 178 which isrotatably connected to the first guard assembly shaft 160. The firstguard rocker arm 174 and the second guard rocker arm 176 are rigidlyconnected to the second guard assembly shaft 162 proximate the bottom174 b of the first guard rocker arm 174 and the bottom 176 b of thesecond guard rocker arm 176 and the second guard assembly shaft 162 isconnected to the first crankshaft rod 128. The first guard rocker arm174 and the second guard rocker arm 176 are rigidly connected to thethird guard assembly shaft 164 proximate the bottom 174 b of the firstguard rocker arm 174 and the bottom 176 b of the second guard rocker arm176 and the third guard assembly shaft 164 is rigidly connected to theguard plate 168 via the connector 167. The second guard assembly shaft162 is linked with the first crankshaft 118 via the first crankshaft rod128 which is in turn linked with the drive shaft 116 a. Therefore, thesecond guard assembly shaft 162 and the third guard assembly shaft 164are linked and the second guard assembly 162 and the first crankshaft118 are linked. The guard plate 168 extends longitudinally within thespace 138 defined by the main frame 132, the top cover 134, and thebottom cover 136. The guard plate 168 is connected to the plurality ofguards 170 via the plurality of fastening mechanisms 172 (FIG. 13).

The at least one hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 18 includes afirst hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 180, which may be referredto as a first translation assembly, a second hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly 182, which may be referred to as a second translationassembly, and a third hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 184, whichmay be referred to as a third translation assembly. In one particularembodiment, the first hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 180translates or moves the cutting mechanism 16 in a first movement, thesecond hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 182 translates or movesthe cutting mechanism 16 in a second movement, and the third hydraulicpiston and cylinder assembly 184 moves the cutting mechanism 16 in athird movement. The first hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 180includes a first hydraulic piston and cylinder device 186 (FIG. 6), apivot arm 188 (FIG. 6), a pivot shaft 190 (FIG. 6), a plurality oftranslation devices 192 (FIG. 6), such as a metal chains, a plurality ofdrive structures 194 (FIG. 6), which may also be referred to as driverelements and/or driven elements dependent upon the particular context,such as sprockets, a vertical/rotational break-away mechanism 198 (FIG.6), such as a spring also denoted as 198, an end plate 199 (FIG. 6), ahanger bracket 200 (FIG. 6), and a plurality of sleeves 202 (FIG. 6). Inone particular embodiment, the plurality of sleeves includes a firstsleeve 202 a, a second sleeve 202 b, and a third sleeve 202 c.

With primary reference to FIG. 6, the first hydraulic piston andcylinder device 186 includes a cylinder 204 and a piston 206. The pivotarm 188 includes a top 188 a and a bottom 188 b and is generallyL-shaped. The top 188 a of the pivot arm 188 is rotatably connected tothe pivot shaft 190 which is mounted to the transversely extending firstsupport member 42 a of the frame 12. The pivot shaft 190 defines a ninthaxis X9 extending in a longitudinal direction. With primary reference toFIG. 6, the cylinder 204 includes a trailing end 208 pivotably connectedwith the pivot arm 188 proximate one end of the bottom 188 b of thepivot arm 188 via a longitudinally extending bolt 210. The other end ofthe bottom 188 b of the pivot arm 188 is connected to the spring 198which keeps the pivot arm 188 as well as the first hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly 186 in contact with the end plate 199. In one example,the spring 198 allows the cutting mechanism 16 to better follow thecontours of the ground G, in certain applications, without additionalactuation from the operator. The piston 206 includes a leading end 212that is freely connected to the hanger bracket 200. The hanger bracket200 is connected to the first sleeve 202 a and the first sleeve 202 a isrotatably connected to the first pivot shaft 72.

With primary reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, and in one particularembodiment, the plurality of sprockets 194 includes a first sprocket214, a second sprocket 216, a third sprocket 218, a fourth sprocket 220,a fifth sprocket 222, and a sixth sprocket 224. The first sprocket 214is connected to the first sleeve 202 a proximate the leading end 212 ofthe piston 206 and the first sleeve 202 a is rotatably connected to thefirst pivot shaft 72. The second sprocket 216 is connected to the secondsleeve 202 b which is rotatably connected to the fifth pivot shaft 100.The third sprocket 218 is connected to the second sleeve 202 b proximatethe second sprocket 216. The fourth sprocket 220 is connected to thethird sleeve 202 c which is rotatably connected to a sprocket shaft 226which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a tenth pivot axisX10. The fifth sprocket 222 is connected to the third sleeve 202 cproximate the fourth sprocket 220. The sixth sprocket 224 is connectedto the fourth pivot shaft 94.

With primary reference to FIG. 6, the plurality of translation devices192 includes a first chain 228, a second chain 230, and a third chain232. The first chain 228 is operably engaged with the first sprocket 214and the second sprocket 216, the second chain 230 is operably engagedwith the third sprocket 218 and the fourth sprocket 220, and the thirdchain 232 is operably engaged with the fifth sprocket 222 and the sixthsprocket 224.

With primary reference to FIG. 7, the second hydraulic piston andcylinder assembly 182 includes a second hydraulic piston and cylinderdevice 234, a third hydraulic piston and cylinder device 236, and aplurality of mounting brackets 238. The second hydraulic piston andcylinder device 234 includes a cylinder 240 and a piston 242. Thecylinder 240 includes a trailing end 244 pivotably connected with agenerally transversely extending mounting bracket 238 via alongitudinally extending bolt 246. The piston 242 includes a leading end248 that is freely connected to the first arm 74 of the mounting bracket73 proximate the top end 74 a of the first arm 74.

The third hydraulic piston and cylinder device 236 includes a cylinder250 and a piston 252. The cylinder 250 includes a trailing end 254pivotably connected with a generally transversely extending mountingbrackets 238 via a longitudinally extending bolt 256. The piston 252includes a leading end 258 that is freely connected to the second arm 76of the mounting bracket 73 proximate the top end 76 a of the second arm76. The third hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 184 includes afourth hydraulic piston and cylinder device 260 and a plurality ofmounting brackets 262. The fourth hydraulic piston and cylinder device260 includes a cylinder 264 and a piston 266. The cylinder 264 includesa trailing end 268 pivotably connected with the support beam 70 viamounting brackets 262 and a longitudinally extending bolt 270. Thepiston 266 includes a leading end 272 that is freely connected to asleeve 274 which is rotatably connected to the second pivot shaft 82.The shield 67 is operably engaged with the third link member 66 andprotects the third translation assembly 67.

With primary reference to FIG. 1, and FIG. 18 through FIG. 23B, theprocedures and operations for translating or moving the cuttingmechanism 16 vertically, transversely, and in a rotational directionabout a rotational axis by moving the boom assembly 14 between a firstposition FP1 (FIG. 4), which may also be referred to as a retractedposition, and a second position SP1 (FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B), which mayalso be referred to as an extended position, are depicted.

In one particular embodiment, the hydraulic system 33 of the tractor 32is utilized to effectuate movement of the cutting mechanism 16 generallyvertically, generally transversely, and about a rotational axis and thePTO connector 36 of the tractor 32 is utilized to effectuate movement ofat least the motor 114, blades 150, and guards 170. In one example,hydraulic system 33 of the tractor 32 is operably engaged with thehydraulic oil diverter valve 35 via electrical wiring 41 a. Thehydraulic oil diverter valve 35 is operably engaged with the auxiliaryhydraulic circuit lines 37 a, 37 b, and 37 c. Auxiliary hydrauliccircuit line 37 a is operably engaged with fourth hydraulic piston andcylinder device 260 which effects movement of the cutting mechanism 16in the generally transverse direction, auxiliary hydraulic circuit line37 b is operably engaged with the second hydraulic piston and cylinderdevice 234 and the third hydraulic piston and cylinder device 236 whicheffect which effect movement of the cutting mechanism 16 in thegenerally vertical direction, and auxiliary hydraulic circuit line 37 cis operably engaged with the first hydraulic piston and cylinder device186 which effects movement of the cutting mechanism 16 about therotational axis. As one having ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, the hydraulic oil diverter valve 35 diverts hydraulic fluidthrough hydraulic lines to effectuate the movement of pistons 206, 242,252, 266 relative to respective cylinders 204, 240, 250, and 264. In oneexample, the actuation electronics 40, electrical wiring 41 b, and thePTO connector 36 of the tractor 32 are operably engaged with abelt-driven hydraulic assembly 276 of the boom mower 10 and are utilizedto effectuate the movement of at least the motor 114, blades 150, andguards 170. The hydraulic assembly 276 includes a hydraulic assemblybelt 277, a hydraulic assembly pump 278, a hydraulic assembly pulley279, a hydraulic assembly reservoir 290, a valve assembly (not shown),hydraulic lines (not shown) and any other components necessary foractuating at least the motor 114, blades 150, and guards 170 as one ofordinary skill in the art would understand.

A first hydraulic lever 280, which may also be referred to as a firstcontrol, and a second hydraulic lever 282, which may also be referred toas a second control, on tractor 32 are in operative communication withthe hydraulic system 33. The first hydraulic lever 280 has multiplefunctions and includes at least one function switching mechanism 281that changes the function of the first hydraulic lever 280 when the atleast one function switching mechanism 281 is activated. In oneparticular embodiment, first hydraulic lever has three functions, andthe at least one function switching mechanism 281 includes a firstfunction switching mechanism 281 a, such as a button also denoted as 281a and a second function switching mechanism 281 b, such as a switch alsodenoted as 281 b. In this embodiment, depressing the button 281 achanges the function of the first hydraulic lever 280 and activating theswitch 281 b (e.g., manipulating the switch from an “off” position to an“on” position) changes the function of the first hydraulic lever 280.Therefore, in this embodiment, the first hydraulic lever 280 has threeseparate and distinct functions. In this embodiment, the first functionswitching mechanism 281 a is provided on the first hydraulic lever 280and second function switching mechanism 281 b is provided on the secondhydraulic lever 282; however, the first function switching mechanism 281a and the second function switching mechanism 281 b may be provided inany suitable location and/or position.

An alert mechanism 286, such as a light source, is in operablecommunication with the switch 281 b that alerts an operator (not shown)when the switch 281 b is activated or in the “on” position. The lightsource is illuminated to alert the operator. The alert mechanism 286 isprovided on the second link member 64 proximate the cutting mechanism 16such that the operator has a clear line of sight from where an operatoris located on tractor 32 when operating the same. By way of non-limitingexample, alert mechanism 286 is provided with a clear line of sight froman operator's seat 288 provided on the tractor 32. In other examples,the operator may stand on a platform to operate a utility vehicle uponwhich the boom mower attachment is engaged. It will be also beunderstood that alert mechanisms other than lights may be utilized,e.g., audible alerts.

In one particular embodiment, levers 280 and 282 are positioned near theoperator's seat 288 such that the operator is able to control thehydraulic fluid to effectuate movement in a secondary device orattachment, such as cutting mechanism 16 of boom mower 10, from theseated position while driving tractor 32. Additionally, movement of theattachment or cutting mechanism 16 of boom mower 10 occurs forwardlyfrom the tractor 32 occurs while the operator is in a safe locationrearward from the forward ground engaging wheel on tractor 32,preferably while seated on the operator's seat 288.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 depict movement of the first hydraulic lever 280 ina direction indicated by arrow A (FIG. 18) when the button 280 is notdepressed and the switch 281 b is not activated which causes movement ofthe cutting mechanism 16 in the first movement, which is in a generaldirection shown by arrow B (FIG. 18 and FIG. 19), via the oil divertervalve 35 of the hydraulic system 33 of the tractor 32 divertinghydraulic fluid through auxiliary hydraulic circuit line 37 b. FIG. 19depicts, as hydraulic fluid moves through auxiliary hydraulic circuitline 37 b, which is in operative communication with the second hydraulicpiston and cylinder device 234 and the third hydraulic piston andcylinder device 236, the pistons 242 and 252 respectively, are drawninto the cylinders 240 and 250 respectively although only the movementof piston 242 into the cylinder 240 is shown in FIG. 19. The linearmovement of the piston 242 into the cylinder 240 is indicated by arrow C(FIG. 19). Since the mounting bracket 73 is pivotably connected to theleading end 248 of the piston 242, the mounting bracket 73 rotates aboutthe first pivot axis X1. Since the top end 76 a of the first arm 76 ofthe mounting bracket 73 and the top end 78 a of the second arm 78 of themounting bracket 73 are pivotably connected to the first sleeve 80, andthe first sleeve 80 is rotatably connected to the first pivot shaft 72,and since the first end 62 a of the first link member 62 is pivotablyconnected to the first arm 74 and the second arm 76 of the mountingbracket 73 proximate the bottom end 74 b of the first arm 74 and thebottom end 76 b of the second arm 76 via the second pivot shaft 82, thefirst link member rotates about the first pivot shaft X1 which causesthe rest of the boom assembly 14, including the third link member 66 andthe fourth link member 68, which are independently pivotably connectedto the first pivot shaft 72 via the sixth sleeve 98 and the seventhsleeve 102 as described above, to rotate in the direction of arrow B(FIG. 18 and FIG. 19).

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 depict movement of the first hydraulic lever 280 ina direction indicated by arrow D (FIG. 20), which is the same directionindicated by arrow A, when the button 280 is depressed in the directionindicated by arrow E (FIG. 20) and the switch 281 b is not activatedwhich causes movement of the cutting mechanism 16 in the secondmovement, which is in a direction shown by arrow F (FIG. 20), via theoil diverter valve 35 of the hydraulic system 33 of the tractor 32diverting hydraulic fluid through auxiliary hydraulic circuit line 37 a.

FIG. 20 depicts, as hydraulic fluid moves through auxiliary hydrauliccircuit line 37 a, which is in operative communication with the fourthhydraulic piston and cylinder device 260, the piston 266 is drawn out ofthe cylinder 264. The linear movement of the piston 266 out of thecylinder 264 is indicated by arrow G (FIG. 21). The linear movement ofthe piston 266 causes a separation between the first link member 62 onone hand, and with the third link member 66 and the fourth link member68 on the other hand, which in turn, causes the second link member 64 torotate about the third pivot axis X3. The separation causes the firstlink member 62 to exert a pulling force in a direction shown by arrow H(FIG. 21) on the second link member 64 which rotates the second linkmember 64 about the third pivot axis X3 in a direction shown by arrow I(FIG. 21).

FIG. 22, FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B depict movement of the first hydrauliclever 280 in a direction indicated by arrow J (FIG. 22), which is thesame direction indicated by arrow A and arrow D, when the button 280 isnot depressed and the switch 281 b is activated by pressing the switchin a direction indicated by arrow K (FIG. 22), or in the “on” position,and the alert mechanism 286 is activated, which causes movement of thecutting mechanism 16 in the third movement, which is in a directionshown by arrow L (FIG. 22 and FIG. 23B), via hydraulic oil divertervalve 35 of the hydraulic system 33 of the tractor 32 divertinghydraulic fluid through auxiliary hydraulic circuit line 37 c.

FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B depict, as hydraulic fluid moves through auxiliaryhydraulic circuit line 37 c, which is in operative communication withthe first hydraulic piston and cylinder device 186, the piston 206 isdrawn into the cylinder 204. The linear movement of the piston 206 intothe cylinder 204 is indicated by arrow M (FIG. 23A). The linear movementof the piston 266 causes the cutting mechanism 16 to rotate about thefourth pivot axis X4 in a direction shown by arrow L (FIG. 23B). Moreparticularly, the linear movement of the piston 266 causes the firstsprocket 214 to rotate about the first pivot axis X1 in a clockwisedirection, the second sprocket 216, to rotate about the fifth pivot axisX5 in a clockwise direction, the third sprocket 218 to rotate about thefifth pivot axis X5 in a clockwise direction, the fourth sprocket 220 torotate about the tenth pivot axis X10 in a clockwise direction, and thesixth sprocket 224 to rotate the fourth pivot axis X4 in a clockwisedirection. Likewise, the first chain 228 rotates in a clockwisedirection about the first sprocket 214 and the second sprocket 216, thesecond chain rotates in a clockwise direction about the third sprocket218 and the fourth sprocket 220, and the third chain 232 rotates in aclockwise direction about the fifth sprocket 222 and the sixth sprocket224. Since the housing 106 of the cutting mechanism 16 is connected tothe fourth pivot shaft 94, the cutting mechanism 16 rotates in aclockwise direction as shown by arrow L (23B). As such, an operator (notshown) sets a selectively adjustable rotational orientation of thecutting mechanism 16 by moving the implement 16 in the third movement.The selectively adjustable rotational orientation of the cuttingmechanism 16 remains substantially fixed when the cutting mechanism 16moves in response to the first movement or second movement as more fullydescribed below. In one particular embodiment, the selectivelyadjustable rotational orientation of the cutting mechanism 16 includes arange of motion of at least approximately ninety degrees; however, therange of motion may be any suitable range of motion. It is to beunderstood that the cutting mechanism 16 may rotate in acounterclockwise direction in a similar manner as described above in thereverse direction. In another particular embodiment, cutting mechanism16 may further include a folding mechanism, such as a latch. Unlatchingthe folding mechanism allows the cutting mechanism to rotate freely onthe fourth pivot shaft 94 about the fourth pivot axis X4 which allowsthe cutting mechanism 16 to be rotated in the counterclockwise directionsuch that the cutting plane CP is substantially horizontal relative tothe ground G. When the cutting mechanism 16 is in this position, thelatch may be reengaged to lock the cutting mechanism 16 in thatposition, which may aid, among other things, shipment of the boom mower10 to purchasers of the boom mower 10.

Although the first movement, the second movement, and the third movementhave been described as being certain directional movements, it is to beentirely understood that the first movement, the second movement, andthe third movement can be other directional movements, depending on thecontext. Thus, a first movement as discussed earlier herein could betermed a second movement or third movement, a second movement could betermed a first or third movement, and, similarly, a third movement couldbe termed a first or second movement. In other words, if the firstmovement has been described herein as a generally vertical movement andthe second movement has been described herein as a generally lateralmovement, those particular directions (vertical and lateral) may beassociated with other names; i.e., the generally lateral movement may becalled a first movement and the generally vertical movement may becalled a second movement.

Now that the procedures and operations for translating or moving thecutting mechanism 16 in at least a first movement, a second movement,and a third movement have been described, the operation of the cuttingmechanism 16 will be described. The motor 114 drives the drive shaft 116a, the end shaft 116 b, the first crankshaft 118, the second crankshaft120, the first crankshaft plate 122, the second crankshaft plate 124,the third crankshaft plate 126, the first crankshaft rod 128, and thesecond crankshaft rod 130. The first end 128 a of the first crankshaftrod 128 and the first crankshaft 118 rotate in a path of rotation 118 babout the sixth pivot axis X6. A diameter of the path of rotation 118 bdefines a first reciprocal stroke distance S1 (FIG. 17). The first end130 a of the second crankshaft rod 130 and the second crankshaft 120rotate in a path of rotation 120 b about the sixth pivot axis X6. Adiameter of the path of rotation 120 b defines a second reciprocalstroke distance S2 (FIG. 16).

The first blade rocker arm 154 and the second blade rocker arm 156 areconnected to the second crankshaft rod 130 via the second blade assemblyshaft 142 proximate the bottom 154 b of the first blade rocker arm 154and the bottom 156 b of the second blade rocker arm 156. The first bladerocker arm 154 and the second blade rocker arm 156 are connected to theblade plate 148 via the third blade assembly shaft 144. The blade plate148 extends longitudinally within the space 138 defined by the mainframe 132, the top cover 134, and the bottom cover 136. The blade plate148 is connected to the plurality of blades 150 via the plurality offastening mechanisms 152. The drive assembly 108 reciprocates at leastone blade of the plurality of blades 150 or at least one guard of theplurality of guards 170. More particularly, the movement of the firstcrankshaft rod 128 causes the blades 150 to move in a directionindicated by arrow N (FIG. 16) in a reciprocating manner covering thestroke distance S2. The first guard rocker arm 174 and the second guardrocker arm 176 are connected to the first crankshaft rod 128 via thesecond guard assembly shaft 162 proximate the bottom 174 b of the firstguard rocker arm 174 and the bottom 176 b of the second guard rocker arm176. The first guard rocker arm 174 and the second guard rocker arm 176are connected to the guard plate 168 via the third guard assembly shaft164. The guard plate 168 extends longitudinally within the space 138defined by the main frame 132, the top cover 134, and the bottom cover136. The guard plate 168 is connected to the plurality of guards 170 viathe plurality of fastening mechanisms 172. The movement of the secondcrankshaft rod 130 causes the guards 170 to move in a directionindicated by arrow O (FIG. 17) in a reciprocating manner covering thesecond stroke distance S1. As such, the blades 150 and the guards 170both move in a reciprocating manner and since the blades 150 have adifferent mass relative to the guards 170, the stroke distances S1 andS2 are optimized to reduce translation of vibration from the cuttingmechanism 16 to the frame 12 of the boom mower 10 and, in turn, to thetractor 32. The reciprocating movement of the blades 150 and the guards170 cause a shearing force along a cutting plane “CP”. In one example,the cutting plane “CP” has rotational range of at least approximatelyone hundred thirty five degrees. In one example, the rotational range ofthe cutting plane “CP” is between approximately ninety degrees relativeto horizontal and negative forty-five degrees below horizontal. In oneexample, a cutting width “CW” of the cutting plane is approximatelythirty-nine inches.

As described above, the cutting mechanism 16 is moveable in the firstmovement, the second movement, and the third movement. The firstmovement, the second movement, and the third movement of the cuttingmechanism 16 allow the cutting mechanism 16 to move through a range ofpositions. For example, and not meant as a limitation, when the cuttingmechanism 16 has a rotational orientation that is ninety degreesrelative to horizontal, the cutting plane “CP” can reach a verticalheight equal to at least approximately one hundred forty-two inches fromthe ground “G”.

In another non-limiting example, when the cutting mechanism has arotational orientation that is zero degrees relative to horizontal, thecutting plane “CP” can reach a vertical height equal to approximatelyeighty two inches from the ground “G”. In another non-limiting example,when the cutting mechanism 16 has a rotational orientation of zerodegrees relative to horizontal, the cutting plane “CP” can reach atransverse horizontal distance of at least approximately one hundredfifteen inches from an outside portion of the at least one groundengaging wheel 34 of the tractor 32. One of the benefits of being ableto move the cutting mechanism 16 in the first movement, the secondmovement, and the third movement, is that the cutting mechanism 16 canbe utilized to mow and/or maintain vegetation along steep ditches, underfences and guardrails, along ponds, lakes, and streams, along trails,pathways or roadways, or any other suitable location.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the boom mower10 in combination with the tractor 32 may form an implement controlsystem 300. The implement control system 300 may include a control,which may be the first hydraulic lever 280, at least one functionswitching mechanism, which may be the button 281 a and/or the switch 281b, and an implement, which may be the cutting mechanism 16.

The first hydraulic lever 280 may indirectly move the implement 16 in afirst mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions ofthe first hydraulic lever 280. The control motion in the first mode isassociated with a first movement of the implement 16, the control motionin the second mode is associated with a second movement of the implement16, and the control motion in the third mode is associated with a thirdmovement of the implement 16.

The at least one function switching mechanism 281 a and 281 b allow thefirst hydraulic lever 280 to move the implement 16 between the secondmode, and the third mode. The first hydraulic lever 280 may be movablebetween a first position and a second position. In one example,activating the button 281 a allows the first hydraulic lever 280 tocause the implement 16 to move in one or more of the (i) the secondmode; and (ii) the third mode. In another example, activating the switch281 b allows the first hydraulic lever 280 to cause the implement 16 tomove in one or more of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode.

The implement control system 300 may further include an alert mechanism286 that indicates when the first hydraulic lever 280 is operating inone or more of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode. In oneexample, the alert mechanism 286 is an indicator light on the implementthat is by an operator while controlling the control; wherein theindicator light is illuminated to indicate to the operator that thecontrol is operating in one or more of (i) the second mode; and (ii) thethird mode.

The implement control system 300 may further include a first end and asecond end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first sideand a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, a topand a bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween, and alongitudinal center axis X_(C), which, in one example, may be the firstend 20, second end 22, first side 24, second side 26, top 28, bottom 30and longitudinal center axis X_(C) of the boom mower 10.

In one example, the first movement associated with the first mode is agenerally vertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axisX_(C), the second movement associated with the second mode is agenerally transverse movement relative to the longitudinal center axisX_(C), and the third movement associated with the third mode is arotational movement about a rotational axis that is offset parallel tothe longitudinal center axis X_(C). In one example, a rotationalorientation of the implement 16 relative to the rotational axis may beselected or set by moving the implement 16 in the third mode. Therotational orientation of the implement remains substantially fixed,i.e., substantially unchanged, when the implement moves in one or moreof the (i) the first mode; and (ii) the second mode. As such, as theimplement mechanism 16 moves in the transverse direction, the implementfrom the ground “G”.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary method or process in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure and is generally referred to as 2400.The method 2400 includes moving a control, which may be the firsthydraulic lever 280, of an implement control system 300 between a firstposition and a second position to cause an implement 16 to move in afirst movement, which is generally shown at 2402. The method 2400 mayinclude switching, via at least one function switching mechanism 281 a,281 b, a function of the first hydraulic lever 280 from the first modeto at least one of (i) a second mode; and (ii) a third mode, which isshown generally at 2404. The method 2400 may include moving the firsthydraulic lever 280 between the first position and the second positionin the at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode,which is shown generally at 2406. In one example, the control movementin the first mode is associated with a first movement of the implement16, the control movement in the second mode is associated with a secondmovement of the implement 16, and the control movement in the third modeis associated with a third movement of the implement 16.

In one example, the at least one function switching mechanism 281 is abutton 281 a and switching the function of the first hydraulic lever 280from the first mode to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) thethird mode is accomplished by depressing the button 281 a, which isshown generally at 2408.

In another example, the at least one function switching mechanism 281 isa switch 281 b and switching the function of the first hydraulic lever280 from the first mode to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii)the third mode is accomplished by activating the switch 281 b, which isshown generally at 2410.

In another example, the at least one function switching mechanism 281 isa button 281 a and a switch 281 b and switching the function of thefirst hydraulic lever 280 to the second mode is accomplished bydepressing the button 281 a and switching the function of the firsthydraulic lever 280 to the third mode is accomplished by activating theswitch 281 b, which is shown generally at 2412.

The method 2400 may include indicating, via an alert mechanism 286, whenthe function of the first hydraulic lever 280 has been switched via thefunction switching mechanism 281 a, 281 b to at least one of (i) thesecond mode; and (ii) the third mode, which is shown generally at 2414.In one example, the alert mechanism 286 is an indicator light alsodenoted 286, and the method 2400 further includes illuminating theindicator light 286 when the function of the first hydraulic lever 280has been switched via the at least one function switching mechanism 281a, 281 b to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the thirdmode, which is shown generally at 2416.

In one example, the first movement associated with the first mode is agenerally vertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axisX_(C), the second movement associated with the second mode is agenerally transverse movement relative to the longitudinal center axisX_(C), and the third movement associated with the third mode is arotational movement about a rotational axis that is offset parallel tothe longitudinal center axis X_(C). The rotational orientation of theimplement remains substantially fixed when the implement 16 moves in atleast one of (i) the first mode; and (ii) the second mode.

While the hydraulic cylinders and pistons have been disclosed herein andillustrated in the figures in a particular orientation, it will beunderstood that the positions of the cylinders and pistons may beswapped. For example, in FIG. 6 the cylinder 204 is shown engaged withthe pivot arm 188 and the piston 206 is shown engaged with the hangerbracket 200. In another example, however, the cylinder 204 may beengaged with the hanger bracket 200 and the piston 206 may be engagedwith the pivot arm 188.

Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods,of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of themethod may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments maybe constructed in which acts are performed in an order different thanillustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, eventhough shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and inthe claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should beunderstood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used hereinin the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understoodto mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elementsthat are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively presentin other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should beconstrued in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements soconjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than theelements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used inconjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, inone embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B);in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements otherthan A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification andin the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as“and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list,“or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., theinclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a numberor list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Onlyterms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or“exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” willrefer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list ofelements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only beinterpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the otherbut not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentiallyof,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used inthe field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be usedherein for ease of description to describe one element or feature'srelationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in thefigures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in use oroperation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Forexample, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as“under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under”can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may beotherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”,“lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used hereinfor the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements, these features/elements should not be limitedby these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms maybe used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element.Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a secondfeature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussedherein could be termed a first feature/element without departing fromthe teachings of the present invention.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure.Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,”or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiments is includedin at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, ofthe invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “otherembodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particularcomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to beincluded. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element,that does not mean there is only one of the element. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical rangerecited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, any method of performing the present disclosure may occurin a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, nosequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitlystated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of themethod in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of thedisclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

What is claimed:
 1. An implement control system comprising: a controloperable in one or more of a first mode, a second mode, and a thirdmode; at least one function switching mechanism associated with thecontrol; and an implement; wherein activation or movement of the controlis operative to move the implement in one or more of a first movement, asecond movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of thecontrol; wherein the first mode is associated with the first movement ofthe implement; wherein the second mode is associated with the secondmovement of the implement; wherein the third mode is associated with thethird movement of the implement; and wherein the at least one functionswitching mechanism switches the control to one of the second mode andthe third mode; an alert mechanism that indicates when the control isoperating in at least one of: (i) the second mode; and (ii) the thirdmode.
 2. The implement control system of claim 1, wherein the control isa lever moveable between a first position and a second position.
 3. Theimplement control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one functionswitching mechanism switches the control from the first mode to one ofthe second mode and the third mode.
 4. The implement control system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one function switching mechanism is one ofa depressible button and a switch.
 5. The implement control system ofclaim 1, wherein the alert mechanism is an indicator light on theimplement that is viewable by an operator while controlling the control;wherein the indicator light is illuminated to indicate to the operatorthat the control is operating in the at least one of (i) the secondmode; and (ii) the third mode.
 6. The implement control system of claim1, further comprising: a first end and a second end defining alongitudinal direction therebetween, a first side and a second sidedefining a transverse direction therebetween, and a top and a bottomdefining a vertical direction therebetween; and a longitudinal centeraxis extending between the first end and the second end; and wherein thefirst movement associated with the first mode is a generally verticalmovement relative to the longitudinal center axis.
 7. The implementcontrol system of claim 1, further comprising: a first end and a secondend defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side and asecond side defining a transverse direction therebetween, and a top anda bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween; and a longitudinalcenter axis extending between the first end and the second end; whereinthe second movement associated with the second mode is a generallytransverse movement relative to the longitudinal center axis.
 8. Theimplement control system of claim 1, further comprising: a first end anda second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a firstside and a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, anda top and a bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween; and alongitudinal center axis extending between the first end and the secondend; wherein the third movement associated with the third mode is arotational movement about a rotational axis that is offset parallel tothe longitudinal center axis.
 9. The implement control system of claim1, wherein the implement control system is provided on a compacttractor.
 10. An implement control system comprising: a control operablein one or more of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode: atleast one function switching mechanism associated with the control; andan implement; wherein activation or movement of the control is operativeto move the implement in one or more of a first movement, a secondmovement, and a third movement by only using two motions of the control;wherein the first mode is associated with the first movement of theimplement; wherein the second mode is associated with the secondmovement of the implement; wherein the third mode is associated with thethird movement of the implement; and wherein the at least one functionswitching mechanism switches the control to one of the second mode andthe third mode; a first end and a second end defining a longitudinaldirection therebetween, a first side and a second side defining atransverse direction therebetween, and a top and a bottom defining avertical direction therebetween; a longitudinal center axis extendingbetween the first end and the second end; wherein the first movementassociated with the first mode is a generally vertical movement relativeto the longitudinal center axis; wherein the second movement associatedwith the second mode is a generally transverse movement relative to thelongitudinal center axis; wherein the third movement associated with thethird mode is a rotational movement about a rotational axis that isoffset parallel to the longitudinal center axis; and wherein arotational orientation of the implement relative to the rotational axisset by moving the implement in the third mode remains substantiallyfixed when the implement moves in at least one of (i) the first mode;and (ii) the second mode.
 11. A method of using an implement controlsystem comprising: moving a control of an implement control systembetween a first position and a second position in a first mode to causean implement to move in a first movement; switching, via at least onefunction switching mechanism, a function of the control from the firstmode to at least one of (i) a second mode; and (ii) a third mode; andmoving the control between the first position and the second position inat least one of a (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode; whereinthe control movement in the second mode is associated with a secondmovement of the implement; and wherein the control movement in the thirdmode is associated with a third movement of the implement; wherein theat least one function switching mechanism includes a first functionswitching mechanism and a second function switching mechanism; whereinthe first function switching mechanism is a button; wherein the secondfunction switching mechanism is a switch; wherein switching, via thefirst function switching mechanism, the function of the control to thesecond mode is accomplished by depressing the button; and whereinswitching, via the second function switching mechanism, the function ofthe control to the third mode is accomplished by activating the switch.12. A method of using an implement control system comprising: moving acontrol of an implement control system between a first position and asecond position in a first mode to cause an implement to move in a firstmovement; switching, via at least one function switching mechanism, afunction of the control from the first mode to at least one of (i) asecond mode; and (ii) a third mode; and moving the control between thefirst position and the second position in at least one of a (i) thesecond mode; and (ii) the third mode; wherein the control movement inthe second mode is associated with a second movement of the implement;and wherein the control movement in the third mode is associated with athird movement of the implement; and indicating, via an alert mechanism,when the function of the control has been switched via the functionswitching mechanism to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) thethird mode.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least onefunction switching mechanism is a button; and wherein switching, via theat least one function switching mechanism, the function of the controlfrom the first mode to at least one of (i) the second mode; and (ii) thethird mode is accomplished by depressing the button.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the at least one function switching mechanism is aswitch; wherein switching, via the at least one function switchingmechanism, the function of the control from the first mode to at leastone of (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode is accomplished byactivating the switch.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the alertmechanism is an indicator light and the method further comprises:illuminating the indicator light when the function of the control hasbeen switched via the function switching mechanism to the at least oneof (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein the implement control system includes a first end and asecond end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first sideand a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, a topand a bottom defining a vertical direction therebetween, and alongitudinal center axis extending between the first end and the secondend; and wherein the first movement comprises moving the implement in agenerally vertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axis.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the implement control systemincludes a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal directiontherebetween, a first side and a second side defining a transversedirection therebetween, a top and a bottom defining a vertical directiontherebetween, and a longitudinal center axis extending between the firstend and the second end; wherein the second movement comprises moving theimplement in a generally transverse movement relative to thelongitudinal center axis.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein theimplement control system includes a first end and a second end defininga longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side and a second sidedefining a transverse direction therebetween, a top and a bottomdefining a vertical direction therebetween, and a longitudinal centeraxis extending between the first end and the second end; wherein thethird movement comprises moving the implement in a rotational movementabout a rotational axis that is offset parallel to the longitudinalcenter axis.
 19. A method of using an implement control systemcomprising: moving a control of an implement control system between afirst position and a second position in a first mode to cause animplement to move in a first movement; switching, via at least onefunction switching mechanism, a function of the control from the firstmode to at least one of (i) a second mode; and (ii) a third mode; andmoving the control between the first position and the second position inat least one of a (i) the second mode; and (ii) the third mode; whereinthe control movement in the second mode is associated with a secondmovement of the implement; and wherein the control movement in the thirdmode is associated with a third movement of the implement; wherein theimplement control system includes a first end and a second end defininga longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side and a second sidedefining a transverse direction therebetween, a top and a bottomdefining a vertical direction therebetween, and a longitudinal centeraxis extending between the first end and the second end; and wherein themethod further comprises one or more of: moving the implement in agenerally vertical movement relative to the longitudinal center axis;moving the implement in a generally transverse movement relative to thelongitudinal center axis; and moving the implement in a rotationalmovement about a rotational axis that is offset parallel to thelongitudinal center axis; and the method further comprises: activatingthe control between the first position and the second position in thethird mode to cause the implement to rotate about the rotational axis;and setting a rotational orientation of the implement relative to therotational axis; wherein the rotational orientation of the implementremains substantially fixed when the implement moves generallyvertically and generally transversely.